President Trump has announced plans to meet Russian President Putin in Saudi Arabia for peace talks on Ukraine, following a notable phone call between the two leaders. Amidst concerns of Ukrainian exclusion, China has proposed hosting a summit to assist in ending the war. Trump’s dialogue raised apprehensions regarding potential concessions to Russia while affirming Ukraine’s sovereignty and security needs.
On February 12, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed anticipation of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Ukraine peace discussions. This unexpected thaw in relations follows a productive phone call between the leaders, raising concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion in matters concerning its own future. Mr. Trump emphasized that Ukraine would not be sidelined as negotiations unfold.
Mr. Trump indicated that the meeting is expected to occur shortly and mentioned the involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recently assisted in a prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia. In response to the developments, the Kremlin reported that Putin had invited Trump to Moscow following their lengthy discussion of approximately one and a half hours.
As this was unfolding, China extended an offer to facilitate a summit between Trump and Putin to further peace efforts regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Chinese officials have proposed their involvement in establishing peacekeeping initiatives after a potential ceasefire, reflecting their desire for a diplomatic role.
After speaking with Putin, President Trump also communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not part of the earlier discussion. Following their conversation, Zelenskyy remarked that he had a substantive discussion with Trump, emphasizing the shared desire for peace. Meanwhile, key staff members from both Ukraine and the U.S. are expected to collaborate intensively on establishing terms for peace.
The tone of Trump’s conversation with Putin has prompted apprehension regarding the U.S. potentially conceding to Russia’s demands. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth stated that Ukraine’s aspirations to reclaim pre-2014 borders may not be feasible, which are key points for Moscow. In contrast, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must remain inviolable.
President Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the Munich Security Conference to seek strong security assurances from Washington. While Trump has proposed discussions regarding the exchange of Ukraine’s natural resources for continued military support, Zelenskyy’s administration remains firm on safeguarding national interests.
The Kremlin’s communication following the call with Trump acknowledged the potential for a lengthy negotiation process, highlighting a readiness to confront underlying causes of the conflict, which Russia largely attributes to Western interference. Signs of renewed cooperation are also evident through previous diplomatic gestures, such as the release of imprisoned individuals between the nations involved.
In summary, President Trump plans to meet President Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace for Ukraine, with implications that may exclude Ukrainian input. China has proposed a broader summit to aid negotiations, emphasizing its role in peacekeeping. Concerns persist regarding U.S. concessions to Russia, while Ukraine reiterates the importance of sovereignty and security guarantees. Collaborative efforts between U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to commence amidst these developments.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
